Although Kumasi and Bulawayo have certain
characteristics in common - not only are they the
second cities of their respective countries; they are also
both former capital cities of the African Kingdoms that
preceded colonial rule - they are in other respects very
different. These differences are in part due to the very
different manifestations of colonial rule that the two
colonies, the Gold Coast and Southern Rhodesia respectively,
experienced. Furthermore, the differences could also be
due not only to climatic, topographical and demographic
issues but also historical and cultural differences between
the two Kingdoms of which Kumasi and Bulawayo were
formerly the capitals.